Canada’s oil sands region is experiencing the worst COVID-19 outbreak per population for the whole of North America. In fact, tens of thousands of men, forced to live and work in closely confined areas, are at risk. The local government is accused of doing little to…
The Environmental Impact of Oil Sands
March 8, 2021
The environmental impact of Canada’s oil sands can be measured in several ways. Firstly, by the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions they cause. Secondly, by the consequences of the enormous toxic tailings ponds they produce. Thirdly, through the repercussions of oil leaks from…
The Athabasca River, Canada
January 21, 2021
The Athabasca River is the longest river in Alberta, Canada.1 Beginning in the Canadian Rocky Mountains at Jasper National Park, it meanders northeast before ending its 765 mile-long course in Lake Athabasca.2 This journey takes it through the centre of Alberta’s oil sands…
Canada's Oil Pipelines: Danger of Aging
October 5, 2020
Old pipelines leak more than new ones
Canada’s oil pipelines have one major weakness: aging. The Pegasus Pipeline primer on TransCanada’s West-East pipeline was 65 years old when it ruptured. Older pipelines, which have undergone decades of wear and corrosion, can be…
Oil Sands Companies
April 24, 2020
Oil sands are a type of unconventional petrol deposit, most of which are located in Alberta, Canada. Oil sands in Canada are the world’s third largest reserve of oil, behind Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Oil sands companies have secured Canada’s place in the global oil…
Shocking Oil Sands before and after
April 24, 2020
What are Oil Sands?
Oil sands are a natural mixture of sand, water, clay and a type of oil called bitumen. Due to their dark, sticky appearance, they’re often called “tar sands” – although it’s actually the bitumen that forms the thick…
Current fossil fuel production levels – including existing and planned oil sands are not in line with global emissions reduction targets outlined in the Paris Agreement to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees celsius1.
The production of oil sands is less well…
